After long days and nights of serious negotiations and hard work, it was finally possible to reach agreement on a formula for a time table for the implementation of the Wye Plantation accords. There were moments of loss of hope and despair. However, reason and mutual accommodation prevailed at the end.

     All the parties realize fully that the road is still a long one and that the difficulties which lie ahead would be greater. But with vision and determination, the success which has been achieved in the past few days can be built on.

     It is our earnest hope that the implementation of this new agreement will proceed promptly and without much contention. This will require from all of us vigilance, mutual understanding and good faith. The paramount goal is to reach a just agreement on the final status of the West Bank and Gaza.

      We will remain actively involved and engaged in support of the negotiations that will lead to that goal during the months ahead. What is needed in order to enable the parties achieve their goal is to build bridges of confidence between them. This is a factor which will serve the vital interests of both parties. Likewise, it is an important requirement to create the right atmosphere to achieve meaningful progress on the other track.

      The parties directly involved have exerted tremendous effort in order to make this achievement possible. But others contributed generously to this process too.

      Secretary Albright played an important role which reflected President Clinton's commitment to peace and reconciliation in the Middle East. The European Union took helpful positions as well.

      As we did for years, we shall be most willing to help whenever this is made possible by the parties themselves.

      We look forward to the days ahead with hope and optimism. We are confident that both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples desire to live in peace and dignity. They have suffered long enough from bloodshed and tension. They are entitled to a new era of coexistence and peaceful interaction. Let us all vow to turn a new chapter in the history of this troubled region. God willing, we shall prevail.